JUST IN: Bandits storm palace, abduct traditional ruler in Nasarawa

Tension has gripped residents of Kokona Local Government Area in Nasarawa State following the abduction of a traditional ruler, Sangarin Dari, Mr. Emmanuel Omanji, by suspected Fulani bandits.

The frightening incident occurred on Wednesday night when the assailants stormed the monarch’s palace under the cover of darkness, unleashing a barrage of gunfire as they made their way into the premises. Witnesses told reporters that the bandits were heavily armed and fired sporadically to scare off residents before forcibly taking the royal father away.

According to sources within the community, the gunmen whisked Mr. Omanji to an undisclosed location, and his whereabouts remain unknown as of Thursday morning.

Nasarawa State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ranham Nansel, confirmed the incident.

Reham noted that the Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, had mobilised the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the military and vigilante groups to conduct a search and rescue operation.

Nansel, a Superintendent of Police, said the perpetrators would be apprehended and the victim rescued unhurt.

“The CP has assured that the royal father would be rescued but called on anyone with useful information not to hesitate to report to the police.”